Susie Jones
News & Updates • 4 min read

How to tackle driver diversity in the industry

Created: 21/08/2024

Updated: 21/08/2024

If we asked you to describe a truck driver, your response may portray a stereotypical image of an older, white male. Is this accurate? Traditionally, the trucking industry has been male-dominated. Over the years, the industry has become more diverse and opened opportunities for women, people of different ages and backgrounds to enter the field. Diversity is growing, but external challenges such as Brexit and the pandemic have stunted this.

Women in the industry

Despite a shortfall of up to 100,000 HGV drivers in the UK, only 1% to 3% of truckers are women. So, why aren’t more females signing up for life on the road?

• Safety: It’s estimated that 60% of women truckers have felt unsafe whilst on the job. Many have expressed the need to park under a light, plan their stops, and carry pepper spray.

• Tech and equipment: Ergonomically, trucks were built for men. In the past, women have found reaching for controls, adjusting seats, and the physical aspects of the job restraining. However, technological advancements mean physical exertion isn’t a problem. Most modern trucks now have power steering and automatic gearboxes to make things easier.

Despite these setbacks, women are making their voices heard and enforcing change in the industry. Drivers like Jodi Smith are invaluable advocates for the industry. Jodi shares her trucking experiences online and proves that this industry isn’t just a man’s world.

“Lorry driving isn’t a man’s job – I can do this job with a full set of acrylics! It’s quite physical but it’s not hard” states Jodi when we spoke to her back in 2021. With seven years of experience behind her, Jodi continues to advocate for more women to join the trucking community.

A result that could lead to safer roads - American Transportation Research Institute data shows women are safer commercial drivers. Male drivers are 20% more likely to be involved in a crash compared to their female counterparts.

Age diversity in the industry

The Office of National Statistics suggests that the average age of an HGV driver is forty-eight, and 47% of truck drivers in the UK are over fifty and looking to retire soon. These statistics on top of the current driver shortage suggest a need for younger drivers in the industry.

That is easier said than done; many young drivers face the following challenges:

• Training: Obtaining a commercial driver’s license can cost up to £2,000

• Insurance: Although the minimum age to drive an HGV in the UK is 18, many struggle to get insurance

• Experience: Some companies want to hire experienced drivers, which can be a setback

• Conditions: Truckers' lives can be demanding - long hours and time spent away from loved ones could be a deterrent. However, there are many perks to life on the road, such as community, travel, pay, and job stability.

Companies looking for drivers can benefit from hiring younger truckers. They are more likely to adapt to an ever-changing industry. Additionally, they are quick learners who welcome technological advancements. A rise in younger drivers joining the industry will result in lower turnover rates - reducing company costs. It will also ensure that the industry meets the growing demand for goods and services.

However, what are the setbacks for you if you're an older driver? Some suggest age affects physical and cognitive abilities, impacting the ability to drive safely. These are vital for truck drivers as they deal with long hours, physical demands, and stressful situations.

FMCSA has addressed these concerns. Regulations require older drivers to undergo frequent medical exams and driving evaluations. Recently, it was reported that a 90-year-old lorry driver from Sheffield was still trucking after getting a clean bill of health. Many argue that older drivers bring decades of experience and knowledge - suggesting that if they are healthy, there shouldn’t be a barrier to employment.

How can diversity resolve the current driver shortage?

In 2022 the Office for Veterans’ Affairs provided £100,000 to the charity Veterans into Logistics. The charity offers veterans the opportunity to become HGV drivers. The funding has enabled the charity to significantly uplift its annual training, increase staff numbers and treble the training available. XPO, ASDA, and Muller Milk & Ingredients are all companies actively hiring veterans directly after training.

Additionally, ASDA provided £40,000 to help with further training. Support for charities like Veterans into Logistics creates a more diverse culture within truck driving whilst actively tackling the current driver shortage.

What can be done to attract more diversity?

Having a diverse workforce opens companies to different points of view and experiences. What can companies do to attract a diverse workforce?

• Invest in training: Training to educate employees about topics such as implicit bias, inclusivity in the workplace, discrimination prevention, and how to support a diverse workforce can have a positive effect.

• Invest in an inclusive hiring process: Anonymising a candidate's CV can reduce unconscious bias.

• Promote an inclusive culture: Communicate to potential candidates how you are tackling current diversity and inclusion issues.

• Reach out to underrepresented groups in this industry.

Promoting and welcoming a diverse culture in truck driving can benefit the industry substantially. Not only will it contribute to creating a more inclusive and welcoming work environment, but it will also assist with the ongoing driver shortage. Trucking companies have a responsibility to embrace diversity just as much as truck drivers.

What country is in demand for truck drivers?

A report published in December 2022 suggested that Europe's shortages had jumped by 42% from 2020 to 2021. The UK came out top with vacant driver positions reaching 100,000. Mexico and China were also high up on the list, with Mexico’s shortages rising by 30% and China’s rising to a staggering 140%.

Will we need truck drivers in the future?

The introduction of self-driving trucks has left many suggesting there is no future for truck drivers. However, this is far from the case.

• Autonomous trucks will be deployed incrementally in designated regions. The likelihood that this would affect most drivers is slim.

• If autonomous trucks were implemented worldwide, drivers would still be needed. The demand for truck drivers will only increase as there are too many things that could happen if there wasn't a driver in the cab.

What are truck drivers' stereotypes?

We know the importance of truck drivers, but in the eyes of a few, negative stereotypes are still linked to the industry – this portrayal can be down to media misrepresentation and sometimes to a few inexperienced drivers. But what is this stereotypical image? And why is it wrong?

• Overweight – Some truck stops offer unhealthy fast food which could give you the impression that truck drivers only consume it. However, that is certainly not the norm. Eating healthy on the road can be a challenge but many stick to a well-balanced diet and exercise regularly. Check out our tips for eating healthy on the road.

• Bad drivers – A stereotype that couldn’t be further from the truth. Professional truck drivers take safety extremely seriously. They often keep to the speed limit, are extra cautious in difficult weather, and leave plenty of room between themselves and other drivers.

• Foul-mouthed – We all get road rage and truckers are no exception. However, it's unfair to put this stereotype solely on truckers.

• All truckers are men – Men outnumber women in this industry; however, female truck drivers are rising.

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Thursday 16 October 2025 • News & Updates

6 FLEET MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES THAT WILL TRANSFORM YOUR BOTTOM LINE

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Fleet managers in the United Kingdom face financial challenges on many fronts. Escalating operational costs due to volatile fuel prices, intensifying sustainability transformation pressures, capital-intensive vehicle procurement, chronic talent shortage and unscheduled and extended downtime hurt the bottom line.If you have already invested in basic solutions to optimise routes, improve driver performance, minimise fuel consumption, monitor asset health and schedule preventive maintenance, but you haven’t seen significant gains, then consider adopting these six practical strategies to record positive net income consistently.Many fleet professionals view assets as unavoidable money pits and have come to terms with their tendency to drain resources. This notion normalises inefficient fuel consumption, unreasonably high maintenance costs and frequent downtime due to sudden breakdowns. Less-than-roadworthy vehicles endanger driver and cargo safety, resulting in higher future insurance rates and lasting reputation damage.Developing a structured fleet life-cycle and replacement strategy is essential to retiring specific vehicles before they hurt company coffers. It helps you manage your budget prudently, allowing you to make informed decisions based on long-term goals instead of immediate needs.Prioritise cost per mile, vehicle age and mileage. These vital metrics indicate when an asset becomes a good candidate for retirement instead of waiting for it to become inoperable. This proactive approach reduces your total cost of ownership, allowing you to resell declining assets while their value is relatively high. The proceeds from the sale can offset the price of procuring and integrating vehicles with partial automation capabilities into your fleet.The chronic labour shortage in the logistics industry drives up fleet management costs through rising wages, extended vehicle repair times and losses arising from delays and missed deadlines. This issue predated the pandemic, and Brexit only made it worse. In 2023, UK in a Changing Europe and Centre for European Reform estimated that the UK recorded a after the freedom of movement ended.The key is to raise awareness of logistics as an exciting career at the grassroots level. Fleet managers could do more to introduce the industry to primary and secondary students. Explaining what HGV drivers and mechanics do and their contributions to society can bring prestige to these occupations. Apprenticeship programmes can work wonders, as the 2022/2023 Logistics UK survey found that roles seek them.Poor workplace design is an underrated fleet management dilemma. Slowdowns to the order fulfilment process can trigger a domino effect that ultimately inflates operational costs. They can lead to increased idle time, talent underutilisation, unmet delivery schedules and customer dissatisfaction. Workflow inefficiencies may force you to reallocate resources, reshuffling drivers and vehicles and changing routes to compensate for delays.Facility-related disorganisation is outside the purview of fleet managers. Close collaboration with warehouse management matters to increase the logical flow and speed of movement of goods within the space. Simple improvements like hanging enough high bay LED lights and installing doors can reduce errors and boost productivity.Leverage technology to ensure clear communication. Adopting a software solution that merges or helps warehouse and fleet management systems interoperate gives all relevant stakeholders complete visibility into each department’s operations. Forming a cross-functional team cultivates a culture of collaboration and shared responsibility, holding everyone collectively accountable for mistakes and preventing finger-pointing.An innovative, pragmatic approach to vehicle upkeep is necessary to decrease unscheduled downtime. Proactive tuneups and automatic maintenance scheduling are , but digitising inspection and streamlining repairs are just as important to catch red flags early, restore asset roadworthiness quickly and help technicians work efficiently.Mobile pretrip inspections are instrumental in preventive asset maintenance and compliance. Apps capture real-time data, empower drivers to communicate issues to management and facilitate recordkeeping for review, analysis and reporting. Digital work orders help you monitor repairs across your fleet and ensure none will affect delivery schedules.Upgraded gear makes life easier for your technicians and complements initiatives to play to their strengths when assigning tasks. The latest diagnostic tools can be a significant expense but also a major time-saver. They pay for themselves by reducing premature component wear, preventing breakdowns and helping you negotiate for lower insurance rates. Every new technology has a learning curve, so value proper training to upskill your personnel accordingly.Well-maintained fleet vehicles could still break down midjourney due to road conditions in the UK. According to a January 2024 report featuring data gathered by 7,000 Stan the App users, on British carriageways. This figure only covered 13% of the country’s road network, suggesting that the actual number of defects might reach 11.5 million.Areas with colder, wetter weather are more likely to have depressions in road surfaces. Local governments fill millions of potholes yearly, so it can be challenging to plan routes ahead of time to avoid them. Integrating autonomous features into fleet vehicles — like deep learning-powered object detection and adaptive suspension — should help, but real-time pothole avoidance remains an ongoing challenge.Prudent fleet managers anticipate breakdowns regardless of how properly maintained their assets are and focus on readiness. They work with preapproved local mobile mechanics and independent auto repair shops to fix broken vehicles, minimise downtime and promote driver productivity and safety.Vet freelance automotive technicians by verifying their credentials, understanding their specialisation and checking their tools. 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Friday 03 October 2025 • News & Updates

LOW-EMISSION ZONES IN SPAIN: WHAT FLEET OPERATORS NEED TO KNOW

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By the end of 2025, 149 Spanish cities – from Madrid and Barcelona to tourist hubs like Valencia, Alicante and Benidorm – will restrict access for high-emission vehicles. For fleet operators, that means new compliance risks, costly upgrades and tighter delivery schedules.Spain’s low-emission zones (Zonas de Bajas Emisiones, or ZBEs) are part of a wider European push to improve air quality and cut transport emissions. They already operate in major cities across the country and are enforced with fines of up to €200, with rules varying from city to city.In this guide, we explain how ZBEs work, what vehicle categories are affected and what operators need to do to keep their fleets on the road.ZBEs are being introduced under Spanish law in cities with more than (and those over 20,000 with particularly poor air quality), in order to improve urban air quality and support EU climate goals. Access to a ZBE is determined by a vehicle's environmental badge (distintivo ambiental), as issued by the Spanish Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT).The categories are:Full access● 100% electric vehicles (BEV)● Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEV)● Plug-in hybrids with at least 40km electric rangeGenerally unrestricted access● Standard hybrids (HEV)● Plug-in hybrids with less than 40km electric range● Gas-fuelled vehicles (CNG/LNG/LPG)Access with some time/area restrictions● Petrol vehicles: Euro 4/5/6 (typically 2006 onwards)● Diesel vehicles: Euro 6 (typically 2014 onwards)Increasingly restricted, often barred during peak hours● Petrol vehicles: Euro 3 (typically 2000-2005)● Diesel vehicles: Euro 4-5 (typically 2006-2013)Generally banned from all ZBEs● Petrol vehicles below Euro 3 standards● Diesel vehicles below Euro 4 standardsPetrol vehicles below Euro 3, and diesels below Euro 4 standards, are typically banned from ZBEs, although restrictions vary by city.It’s important to note that foreign vehicles must register with local city councils before entering a ZBE, even if they meet equivalent Euro standards. Without registration, compliant vehicles may face automatic fines, which has become a common issue for international hauliers operating in Spain.Madrid and Barcelona have had ZBEs in place for several years, with highly specific rules and large coverage areas. By the end of 2025, the system will expand to cover 149 cities, including smaller towns and tourist destinations such as Benidorm, Valencia, Seville and Alicante.Some cities are still implementing or gradually enforcing their zones, with transitional periods in place (e.g., warnings until late 2025 in Valencia and Benidorm). Others, such as , will start to fine non-compliant vehicles from December 2025.It should be noted that cities may have differing rules, with some allowing non-compliant vehicles for essential services, so it is important to be aware of a specific city’s rules before dispatching a vehicle. Spain is not alone: more than 320 cities across Europe now operate LEZs, with France’s Crit’Air system, Germany’s Umweltzonen and the UK’s ULEZ among the most established. For cross-border hauliers, this creates a patchwork of rules, stickers and penalties that raise compliance risks and costs.You must ensure that your vehicles display the appropriate DGT badge or register if foreign-plated. Fines for non-compliance are typically set at , although they can vary by municipality. Cities like Madrid and Barcelona have already begun issuing these penalties via automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems.Many logistics companies face hurdles because older diesel trucks are now banned or restricted from cities. In fact, . This means a significant number of vehicles are non-compliant and must be replaced if hauliers want to enter ZBEs.Vehicle prices are adding to the pressure: an , while are even pricier.CETM-Madrid, the Spanish Confederation of Freight Transport, estimates that cumulative outlays for Madrid-based road-freight and calls for deadline adjustments and more support.Data shows that the changes are having an impact on delivery schedules. A recent survey of businesses in pilot zones found that Congestion is also common during restricted delivery windows (8-10am), when many operators compete for access. Around also cited a lack of adequate loading/unloading areas as a major contributor to delays.This “time compression” effect – where deliveries are forced into fewer hours – creates bottlenecks at zone perimeters, raising the likelihood of late arrivals and disrupted supply chains.Schedule disruption extends beyond vehicle routing to workforce management. Barcelona's approach to ZBEs illustrates the challenge: the city offers (21:00-07:00) to reduce daytime congestion, but Spanish labour agreements state that night-work pay has premiums of approximately 25%.This creates a difficult choice for fleet operators: accept daytime congestion and delays, or absorb increases in labour costs for night operations.Despite the challenges, ZBEs deliver clear public health gains. Studies of the Madrid Central LEZ recorded (NO₂) within the zone. Broader European research shows soot emissions dropping by up to .These reductions translate directly into improved air quality, fewer respiratory illnesses and reduced hospital admissions. For urban residents – and drivers spending hours in congested traffic – the health benefits are tangible if inconvenient. “Low emission zones are here to stay,” comments Raqual Martinez, European Sales Manager at SNAP. “The challenge for our community is adapting without compromising efficiency or driver welfare. At SNAP, we’re committed to supporting fleets in Spain and across Europe, helping them turn regulatory change into operational advantage.”While we can’t change the LEZ rules, our intruck app makes life on the road simpler. Drivers can use it to find and book secure truck parking and washing, see what facilities are available at each stop, and plan rest breaks that fit tighter delivery windows – whether they’re running into Madrid, skirting Barcelona, or crossing borders on longer routes. Download the today for smoother operations across Spain's evolving transport landscape.

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Friday 26 September 2025 • News & Updates

HOW TO BECOME A LORRY DRIVER

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Across Europe, demand for professional lorry drivers has never been higher. In the UK, the Road Haulage Association estimates that in the next five years to keep supply chains running. And the situation is the same across most of Europe. According to I data, there were 426,000 unfilled driver positions across Europe in 2024. But this creates an opportunity. As , the haulage industry offers the prospect of steady work for school leavers considering alternatives to university and adults looking to retrain. Becoming a lorry driver is a pathway to secure earnings and a structured career.The question many ask is: how to become a lorry driver? The answer depends not just on training and licences, but on understanding what it means to join a profession that keeps Europe’s economy moving.One of the main attractions of a driving career is its accessibility. You don’t need a university degree or years of specialist training to start; a standard car licence (Category B) is all that’s required before working towards professional qualifications. The minimum age for training is 18 in both the UK and across the EU, which means school leavers can move directly from a car licence to professional HGV driver training. That said, many firms prefer international drivers to be at least 21, given the extra responsibility that comes with long-distance haulage.Medical fitness is also important. Every applicant has to pass a medical before they can hold an HGV licence. In the UK, this involves a range of tests, eyesight checks, blood pressure readings and screening for conditions such as epilepsy, heart disease or sleep apnoea.European nations apply the same EU-wide medical standards, with regular renewals ensuring drivers remain healthy throughout their careers.For many people considering the move into professional driving, a key concern is: how much do lorry drivers earn? The answer varies depending on location, experience and the type of work undertaken, but across Europe, the profession offers competitive pay compared to other entry-level jobs.● A new driver in the UK on around £27,000 a year. Those who move into long-haul work, especially on international routes, can see their pay rise towards £45,000 – sometimes more if they’re hauling specialist or hazardous loads. those handling specialist loads, hazardous goods or operating across borders. ● In , salaries tend to be lower than in the UK, typically around €36,600, although large logistics firms in major cities may offer more. ● has seen strong demand for drivers in recent years, but wages remain modest, averaging around 92,400 PLN (approximately €21,690).● sits at the lower end of the scale, with drivers generally earning 80,550 RON (€16,000), although international haulage contracts can significantly boost take-home pay.Of course, salary isn’t the whole story. Many companies offer overtime pay, meal allowances or bonuses for hitting delivery targets. And with demand for drivers showing no sign of slowing, the job also brings a level of security that few other entry-level careers can match.Before you can get behind the wheel of a lorry, you’ll need the right licence. In the UK, this means progressing beyond a standard car licence to what’s officially known as a Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) or Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) licence. The terms are often used interchangeably, but both cover the same categories of professional driving.Some people begin with a Category C1 licence, which covers medium-sized vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes – often used for smaller delivery trucks. However, most aspiring lorry drivers go straight to the Category C licence, sometimes called a Class 2 HGV licence. This allows you to drive rigid vehicles over 7.5 tonnes. For those who want to progress to articulated lorries – the larger vehicles commonly used on long-distance and international routes – the Category CE licence (Class 1) is required.Alongside these qualifications sits the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), a legal requirement across both the UK and EU. This certificate involves a mix of initial training and periodic refreshers, designed to keep drivers up to date on safety, regulation and road skills.This system mirrors the EU-wide licensing framework. The main differences between countries lie in the training providers, the costs involved and, in some places, the availability of test slots.Securing your HGV licence is the first step into professional driving. In the UK, you can start the process once you hold a standard Category B car licence. From there, you apply for a provisional lorry licence, which allows you to begin training in large goods vehicles. The training itself combines theory and practical elements: classroom sessions on road safety and regulations, followed by supervised driving in heavy vehicles. Candidates must also complete modules for the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), which ensures that drivers are equipped not just to operate vehicles safely but also to manage the day-to-day demands of haulage.One of the most common questions for anyone considering this career is how much lorry driver training costs. In the UK, prices vary depending on the provider, location and whether you’re training for a Category C or the more advanced Category CE licence. On average, new drivers can expect to spend between £2,000 and £3,500 to cover medical checks, provisional licence fees, theory tests, practical training, CPC modules and the final driving test. Some companies, particularly larger logistics firms, offer schemes to subsidise or fully fund training in exchange for a work commitment, making the route more accessible.Elsewhere in Europe, the numbers aren’t too different. In Spain, training generally costs between €2,000 and €3,000 for full training and certification. In Poland, the figure is lower, averaging €1,500 to €2,500. Romania has some of the lowest training costs in Europe, with many candidates paying around €1,000 to €1,800 to qualify, although entry-level wages tend to reflect this lower barrier to entry.The time it takes to qualify as a lorry driver depends on where you train, the type of licence you’re aiming for, and how quickly you can secure test dates. In the UK, most people complete their training and pass their tests within two to four months. Some intensive courses compress the process into a matter of weeks, though many drivers find that spacing out lessons helps them absorb the skills more effectively.In Spain and Poland, the process is similar, although longer waiting lists for exam slots can extend the timeline. In Poland, high demand for professional drivers has created bottlenecks at training centres, meaning some candidates wait several months before sitting their practical test. Romania has one of the fastest pathways, with training and testing often completed within eight to twelve weeks.And the learning doesn’t stop once you’ve got your licence. Every professional driver must complete 35 hours of CPC training every five years, keeping their skills up to date and making sure they’re ready for the latest regulations and safety standards.Once you’re qualified, the job comes with strict limits on how long you can spend behind the wheel. These limits are designed to protect both drivers and other road users by reducing fatigue.Across the UK and EU, the rules are the same. Drivers can spend a each day, which can be extended to ten hours twice a week. Weekly limits cap driving at 56 hours, with no more than 90 hours over two consecutive weeks. A driver must also take a break of at least 45 minutes after 4.5 hours of driving. They are also entitled to daily and weekly rest periods to recover before returning to work.These rules are closely monitored, with tachographs fitted in vehicles to record hours and ensure compliance. For those working long-distance routes, such as Spanish drivers covering the Iberian Peninsula or Polish hauliers moving goods across the EU’s eastern borders, these limits shape the rhythm of the job. They determine when and where drivers stop, making access to safe and secure rest areas a vital part of the working day. Becoming a lorry driver isn’t just about passing tests. It’s about stepping into a role that carries real responsibility, but also brings long-term opportunity. With the right licence, the right training and the determination to take on life on the road, it’s a career that can provide both stability and progression.At SNAP, we know what those journeys look like. That’s why we work with fleets and drivers across Europe to make them safer, simpler and more comfortable – from secure parking and better welfare facilities to smart digital tools that save time and stress. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been driving for years, we’re here to back you every mile of the way.Download the today to find trusted parking, facilities and services, wherever your route takes you.